Ultrasound Guided Nerve Block in Lower Limbs

Abstract

It is almost universally accepted that these techniques offer numerous advantages and it is very likely that a trend toward increased interest in peripheral nerve blocks will continue to take place in the near future. Skillfully performed nerve blocks can facilitate pain management, fast-tracking, allow early mobilization, decrease hospital stay, reduce unanticipated hospital admission, and reduce health care costs. Lower extremity nerve blocks are becoming an excellent anesthetic choice for lower extremity surgery, a number of highly efficacious peripheral nerve block techniques can be used to provide excellent surgical anesthesia and good postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing wide variety of surgical procedures. In contrast to other anesthetic techniques, such as general or spinal anesthesia, properly conducted peripheral nerve blocks avoid hemodynamic instability and pulmonary complications; facilitate post-operative pain management and timely discharge. Additional advantages of peripheral nerve blocks are that they are generally not contraindicated in patients taking anti-coagulants, they can be used in patients having lumbo-sacral disease and avoid the need for airway instrumentation.